Water tanks are essential structures that store water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. It is important to get regular inspection and maintenance for these tanks to ensure their structural integrity and avoid water contamination.
Traditionally, human inspectors did water tank inspections manually, which was time-consuming and risky. But with the advancements in technology, remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) are being employed to inspect water tanks, making the inspection process faster, safer, and more efficient. This article examines how ROVs are changing water tank inspections.
Improved Safety
One of the significant benefits of using ROVs for water tank inspections is improved safety. Water tanks are often located in remote and hard-to-reach areas, making it challenging for human inspectors to access them safely. Climbing ladders or using cranes to reach the tanks can be dangerous, especially if they are located at a considerable height.
ROVs eliminate the need for human inspectors to climb to the top of the tanks, reducing the risk of falls, accidents, and injuries. Moreover, ROVs can access confined spaces within the tanks that are hazardous for human inspectors.
Cost-Effective
ROVs are cost-effective compared to traditional inspection methods. Manual inspections require a team of inspectors, safety equipment, and specialised tools, which can be costly. In contrast, ROVs only require a single operator to control the vehicle and monitor the inspection process. Additionally, it can complete inspections faster than human inspectors, reducing the overall inspection time and costs.
Increased Efficiency
ROVs are efficient in inspecting water tanks, providing accurate and detailed data about their condition. The vehicles have high-resolution cameras and sensors that capture real-time images and recordings of the tank’s interior and exterior. The captured data is then transmitted to the operator, who can quickly identify any defects, cracks, or leaks in the tank’s structure. ROVs can also detect sediment buildup and other contaminants in the water, which can affect the water quality.
Environmentally Friendly
Traditional inspection methods, such as draining tanks, can be detrimental to the environment. Draining the tanks can lead to the loss of thousands of litres of water, which can be wasteful, especially in water-scarce regions. Additionally, it can cause soil erosion and disrupt aquatic habitats.
ROVs eliminate the need to drain the tanks, making the inspection process environmentally friendly. The vehicles can inspect the tanks while still full, thus reducing water loss and preserving the environment.
Improved Data Management
ROVs offer better data management compared to traditional inspection methods. The captured data is stored in a digital format, which can be easily accessed and analysed. This can be used to generate reports, graphs, and charts that provide a comprehensive overview of the tank’s condition. Moreover, you can share these reports with stakeholders, such as tank owners, regulators, and maintenance personnel, to facilitate decision-making and planning.
Conclusion
ROVs are transforming the way water tank inspections are conducted. The vehicles offer improved safety, increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness compared to traditional inspection methods. They also provide accurate and detailed data that you can easily analyse and share.
As technology advances, ROVs will become more sophisticated and capable of performing complex inspections. Using them in water tank inspections is a significant step towards ensuring the sustainable management of water resources.
At ATM Tanks, we provide tank design, installation, repairs and maintenance for above-ground tanks across Australia and the Pacific. Our company has been in the business for over 15 years, making us a trusted name among the government, energy, and mining sectors. If you need ROV inspections for your tank, contact us today.
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